SIMPLY WRITING – THE NOT-SO-SCARY SYNOPSIS – MAJOR TURNING POINTS

Those who joined me last month will remember that we discussed the opening paragraphs of our synopsis, namely, the ORIENTATION. Just to jog your memory, the orientation comprises of four parts – a hook, central theme, world-building and central characters (GMC).

Once we’ve oriented our readers into our story, our next goal is to show how our story unfolds via plot arc, character arc and romance arc.

We do this by highlighting the major plot points or events in our story. We refer to these as MAJOR TURNING POINTS.

MAJOR TURNING POINTS are moments within your story that result in a fundamental change in direction or motion. When analysing these turning points in relation to your synopsis, look for the plot points that play a critical role in the development of your central characters’ relationship.

Choose the major points that showcase your characters’ GMC, move them forward in their journey and bring them closer to their goals and their happy ever after.

As a rough guide, include the first time the hero and heroine cross paths in the story, the first kiss, the first sparks of trust, the first time they make love, the black moment and any other major, pivotal shift in their relationship.

Now you’ve identified the turning points to include, structure each paragraph taking into consideration six factors:

1. Plot – what plot point led to this event taking place?
2. Character – who is driving this plot point?
3. Action – what action does this character take as a result of this plot point?
4. Motivation – what motivated the action?
5. Reaction – how do both central characters feel during and after the action? What are their thoughts and how do they react?
6. Impact – what impact or change does this action have on them and/or their ongoing relationship?

Let’s visit this structure using the black moment in Aladdin.

Example:

The sultan realises Jasmine has fallen in love with Prince Ali and gives his blessing.

Aladdin is torn. The finery, the lamp, the lies – none of it makes him a real prince worthy of a princess. But no matter how much the genie pleads, freeing him and telling Princess Jasmine the truth is not an option – he won’t risk losing everything he’s come to love.

Then Jafar steals the lamp and gains control of the genie, and Aladdin’s worst fears become reality. Jafar transforms into a powerful sorcerer, taking control of the kingdom, but not before he exposes Aladdin’s lies. Before Aladdin can explain, Jafar magics him away, leaving Jasmine hurt and disillusioned and prey to the evil advisor’s plans. Aladdin’s guilt is overwhelming, but he’s not ready to give in. He must return to Agrabah and right the wrongs his lies have caused. That means returning as Aladdin, not Prince Ali.

What do you think? Have we shown a major turning point? Who is involved? What do they do? Why? How do they each react? And what is the impact of this event and how does it drive the plot, character growth and romance development forward?

Have we sufficiently covered plot and character and romance? Imagine using this structure for major turning points before and after. How well will they demonstrate arc across the entire story?

If you can tick every one of these boxes, then this major turning point paragraph is a success.

And there it is, the black moment of our synopsis using Simply Synopsis.

Don’t miss my next post when we look wrapping up our synopsis, using the resolution and conclusion. But more about that next month . . .

As always, thank you to all my lovely followers, who’ve read and commented on my previous posts – either directly on the blog post or on the social media mentions. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support.

Sooo, as a thank you for reading and supporting this post, I have a special prize for this month’s winner. I’m offering one lucky commenter a half hour skype session to discuss your synopsis. Yes, you heard right. We get to chat, face-to-face – or computer screen to computer screen – and chat about whatever it is about your synopsis you’d like to discuss.

To enter the draw, please comment below and share what worries you most about writing synopses.

Any and all comments welcome! I love reading your feedback and input each month and much as this blog isn’t set up for notifications, I always ALWAYS answer your comments. So make sure you pop back to check my replies.

If you’d like extra chances to win, share links to this blog on any or all social media sites. Tag me so I know you’ve shared, and the more shares, the more times I’ll place your name in the draw.

A name will be drawn a week from today, on Tuesday 18th September, by 5pm DST and winners will be notified on the blog, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fabulous month, and I’ll see you all again in October.

Michelle xx

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